The state Board of Regents is meeting today to review opinions by school officials, teachers, parents and students on how instruction can be safely delivered.

The board is meeting through video-conferencing to hear recommendations on reopening guidelines.

They'll review opinions that were gathered in online forums from students, parents, teachers and school officials on how to reopen safely.

 

Some parents say that they want their children to go back, while others are hesitant.

Pediatrician Dr. John Zaso says that children should be in school as much as possible. "They do not get the socialization, their mental health is important. We're getting more and more kids referred for counseling now because this really has put them in a tailspin."

However, Zaso says reopening plans should be about weighing the benefits and the risks. He says the risk of transmission among children is low, but he says the children could put teachers and older staff members in the building at risk.

The final decision to reopen schools this fall is up to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He's expected to decide next month.